Four spring-fed lakes and the meandering South Edisto River make Aiken State Natural Area a popular destination. The park is a combination of a river swamp, bottomland hardwood forest and dry sandhill pine forest; the latter provides evidence of an era when the sea reached this far inland.

Built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 1,067-acre park has a variety of animal and plant life, making it an excellent location for nature study and birding. The park also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoeing the Edisto River, fishing in one of the park lakes, picnicking, camping and hiking trails.

History of the Area

Aiken State Natural Area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.

The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina?s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park.

Camping

Each site is packed sand and has individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers. There are 25 sites with electricity and water, these sites can be rented for $12-13/site/night.

Primitive Group Camping:The primitive group camping area is available for organized groups. (An organized group is defined as ?a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials?.) Located along the bank of the South Fork of the Edisto River, the area includes picnic tables, fire rings and a privy. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly.Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50 which allows up to ten campers. The rate increases by $5-$6.50 increments for each additional five campers.

Discounted rates are available for seasons of lower demand.

To make a camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.

Reservations requested less than three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.

Boating

Private boats are not allowed on the park lakes, however private boats are allowed on the Edisto River at a drop-off area.

Canoe Rentals: Canoes are available to rent for $12/day which provides visitors the opportunity to paddle a 1.7 mile portion of the South Fork Edisto River.

Three picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $25-32/day. If shelters are not reserved, guests may use shelters on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

April 17Canoeing on Edisto River by M.Jones

I took my daughter for her 1st boat ride today 4/17/11. The rental price at the park was very cheap. It has been years since I went down the South Edisto and I had forgotten what a Paradise we have just out side Aiken SC. We are both looking forward to doing it again soon.

August 2Great place to relax! by Debbie

We have camped here several times and we enjoy it. Playground equipment in the campground would be great. Just a suggestion, if the main entrance was changed to enter the park on the right it would be easier to leave the dump station. The turn out of the dumpstation is tough for some campers.

September 30Camping Time by Palmer

We went camping for a couple of nights and the bathrooms and campsites were very clean. The trails were easy to follow for my son, and he had so much fun that he wants to come back soon. The only thing the park needed to us was more playground equipment. Other than that it was very nice.